The CBP One application, introduced by the Biden Administration, has been a central pillar in the asylum application process in the United States. However, it has also presented numerous obstacles that complicate migrants’ already arduous journey. So today we will look at some of the problems behind CBP One.
The process of obtaining legal status in the United States is not easy. Each process is unique and varies depending on your case. All of this can be frustrating. But you are not alone. At Jaskot, we can help you find the legal remedy for your situation. Contact us today and take the first step towards a new life in the United States.
Table of Contents
What is CBP One?
CBP One is a mobile application developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows migrants to schedule appointments at ports of entry to apply for asylum. It aims to facilitate the legal entry process. However, it has faced criticism for problems with accessibility and appointment availability.
Context and Regulations
In May 2023, the Circumvention of Legal Pathways (CLP) rule, also known as the asylum transit ban , went into effect. Under this law, migrants must follow certain strict procedures to be eligible. But what stands out the most is the need to apply for an appointment at a port of entry through CBP One.
If a migrant cannot meet this requirement, he or she is presumed ineligible. This presumption is very difficult to rebut, making the asylum process even more difficult. It can only be done in the following extreme circumstances:
- Acute medical emergency
- An imminent threat to life or safety
- Being a victim of human trafficking.
Appointment Availability Problems
One of the most critical problems with the CBP One application is the limited availability of appointments. Currently, there are only eight ports of entry designated to process CBP One appointments. These factors are:
- California:
- San Ysidro
- Calexico
- Arizona:
- Nogales
- Texas:
- El Paso
- Eagle Pass
- Laredo
- Hidalgo
- Brownsville
Although the number of appointments processed daily has increased, it is still insufficient to meet the enormous demand. Many migrants wait much longer due to the shortage of appointments and technical problems with the application. Therefore, it is best to seek the help of an attorney to expedite the process.
CBP One Accessibility Issues
The accessibility of CBP One also presents significant barriers. The application is available only in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, which excludes migrants who speak other languages. In addition, technical difficulties persist that prevent many migrants from using the application effectively.
Impact on Asylum Seekers
The lack of appointments and CBP One’s accessibility problems have devastating consequences for asylum seekers. All of these problems delay the already lengthy application process. In addition. Waiting times can extend up to six months, forcing applicants to wait in precarious conditions in Mexico.
This situation increases the likelihood that they will attempt unauthorized border crossings out of desperation. This puts their lives and even future applications to enter the country at risk. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek legal help. Talk to an attorney and navigate a safe path to the United States.
Responses and Criticisms
In March, several members of Congress sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas requesting improvements to the application. The demands included:
- Expansion of the number of languages available.
- Improved translations.
- Adaptation of the application for people with different literacy levels Increased availability of appointments.
- Elimination of the rebuttable presumption of ineligibility for asylum (imposed by the CLP).
Although the Department of Homeland Security has addressed some of these concerns, the application remains inaccessible to many migrants. The lack of data on success rates in rebutting the presumption of ineligibility is also a major concern. Without transparency and meaningful improvements, asylum seekers continue to face insurmountable obstacles in their quest for protection.
Resources and Support
For those migrants seeking assistance, there are several organizations that offer support and resources. Among them are:
- American Immigration Council: Provides information and legal support for asylum seekers.
- Doctors Without Borders: Provides medical assistance and support to migrants in border areas.
- Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP): Provides resources and legal assistance for asylum seekers.
In addition, it is advisable to seek the support of an immigration attorney. A qualified professional can guide you through the application process, avoiding mistakes and delays. You are not alone. At Jaskot Law we can assist you. Tell us your case today and take the first step towards asylum in the United States.
Conclusions and Recommendations
CLP and its reliance on the CBP One application have severely limited access to asylum and placed asylum seekers in terrible dangers. Because of this, it is critical that the Administration address these problems as a matter of urgency. It is crucial that significant improvements be made to improve the accessibility of CBP One.
Asylum seekers deserve a system that respects their dignity and human rights. Therefore, it is necessary to work together to create a fairer and more humane asylum process. That is why we at Jaskot Law have taken it upon ourselves to help the migrant community. Do not risk your application. Talk to a lawyer and get the legal help you deserve.
Other resources you may be interested in
Guide for users: how to apply for asylum in the United States
Permanent Residency by Asylum: Process and Advice
Possible progress on support project for asylum seekers
Asylum: lawsuit against mandatory use of CBP One app
Juan Berkowsky is a professional writer specialized in communications for social networks and digital media. His mission is to empower people through knowledge and access to information. He work with honesty and dedication to assist all those seeking to navigate the sometimes tough U.S. immigration process.